How to make flowers last longer? 7 expert tricks

Fresh flowers are beautiful and add a warm touch to any space. But they tend to start wilting much sooner than we expect. The ability to make your flowers last longer, whether it is for decorating, gifting, or saving flowers from a particular occasion, is crucial. While flowers will never stay in perfect condition, you can make flowers last longer by using a few effective tricks.
In this expert guide, we will explore seven proven techniques to make flowers lasting longer by using simple household ingredients.
1. You can feed your plants with soda
Using soda helps to make flowers last longer. Sugar in soda supplies essential nutrients to cut flowers that are no longer present on the plant. It’s a natural preservative that keeps flowers vibrant and intact for longer.
How to Use a Soda for Flowers
- Pour 1/4 cup soda clear (such as Sprite and 7-Up), into the vase.
- Coca-Cola works well with a dark vase.
- Change the water two to three times a week to prevent bacteria.
This trick is particularly helpful when caring for vibrant floral arrangements like Yellow Spray Roses with Balloon, ensuring they stay bright and lively for longer.
2. Hair Spray Long-Lasting Petals
In the same way hair spray can keep hairstyles firmly in place, it will also help to make flowers look better by forming an extra layer of protection on top of their petals. This barrier prevents wilting of delicate flowers and helps to slow down moisture loss.
How to apply hairspray to flowers?
- Holding the spray bottle 12″ away from the bouquet is recommended.
- Mist the petals and leaves lightly to form a thin film.
- Use only a small amount of hair spray. Too much can make petals brittle.
This trick works well for delicate bouquets like Pink Spray with Balloon, helping the soft pink petals retain their elegance.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar & Sugar Solution
A simple and effective method to prolong flower life is by using apple cider vinegar in conjunction with sugar. The sugar will replace nutrients that flowers have lost after they’ve been cut. In the meantime, vinegar prevents bacteria growing in water. This is an excellent trick for flowers that quickly wilt.
How do you use apple cider vinegar and sugar solution?
Mix together 2 tablespoons each of applied vinegar and sugar in the vase water.
- Mix the flowers before placing them in.
- Every two weeks you should change the mixture’s water.
This method will keep flowers vibrant and fresh. It is important to refresh the water often so that bacteria do not build up and your bouquet remains beautiful. Using this method can keep bouquets like Joyful with Balloon fresh and fragrant for an extended period.
4. Vodka for Bacterial Control
Bacteria are the primary reasons flowers begin to fade. You can reduce the growth rate of bacteria in flowers by adding vodka or clear alcohols. This tip will help when submerging large floral arrangements in water.
How To Use Vodka In Flowers?
- Add a couple of drops or vodka to vase water.
- Add 1 tablespoon to the mix to add extra nutrition.
- Every two weeks, replace water and vodka.
This method helps keep water clear and flowers looking fresh for much longer, making it ideal for elegant white floral arrangements like Pure White with Balloon. This will keep your bouquet fresh and attractive.
5. Aspirin is used to prolong the life of flowers
Aspirin can be used as a trick to make flowers last longer. This is because it lowers the pH of the water and allows stems to take in more nutrients. This is a great trick for flowers, like daisies or hydrangeas, that need to be constantly hydrated.
How to Use Flower Aspirin?
- Break one tablet and dissolve it in the vase.
- You should thoroughly mix up the solution before you add any flowers.
- For best results, you should change your water every 2-3 days.
This method helps flowers retain moisture and keeps them from drooping. Regularly taking aspirin helps to preserve the freshness of flowers.
6. Bleach keeps water fresh
A bacterial bloom in the water is the most common cause of flowers that wilt. The addition of a tiny amount of bleach keeps the water clear and sterile, allowing flowers better absorption. This method is most useful when storing bouquets for a long time in vases.
How to Use Bleach For Flowers?
- Add 1/4 teaspoon per quart (1 Litre) of water to the vase.
- For added nourishment, combine 3 drops with 1 teaspoon.
- Keep the water clear by refreshing it every three days.
This method stops water from becoming cloudy and removes unpleasant odours. When you use bleach properly, your flowers will remain hydrated without becoming infected by harmful bacteria.

7. Copper Penny & Sugar – Long-Lasting Flowering
Flower preservation is made easy with sugar and a copper penny. Copper acts like a natural antibiotic, while sugar provides essential nutrients. This combination can help create a more favourable environment for the flowers.
How to Use Sugar and Pennies for Flowers?
- Drop a penny in copper and a cube of sugar into the vase.
- Assure that the stems of your plants are submerged at least in three to four inches (or more) of water.
- Replace the water twice a week and re-add a new penny.
This simple and effective method will keep bacteria under control while nourishing the flowers. The result is that they last noticeably more. By ensuring that your blooms are kept fresh and beautiful, you can extend their life.
Conclusion
By following these seven expert floral care tips, you can make flowers last longer. These simple methods, whether you use aspirin or vinegar, soda or soda, will help preserve your floral arrangements.
With Amorrow Flowers, anyone looking for high-grade and fresh flower arrangements with dependable delivery within the UK need look no further. Place luxury flower arrangement orders for same-day and next-day services and you can be sure that the flowers will arrive perfectly.
Want stunning long lasting flower arrangements? Visit Morning Flowers.
FAQs
1. What is a good way to keep flowers fresher longer?
The best combination is sugar and vinegar. Sugar nourishes flower buds, whereas vinegar prevents bacterial development, keeping water fresh.
2. How often is it recommended that I change my water in the vase of flowers?
If you want to keep the flowers hydrated and prevent bacteria, change your water every two or three days.
3. Is it possible to prolong the life of flowers by refrigerating them?
Indeed, placing flowers in a refrigerator can decelerate the aging process, but reservations should be made regarding fruit placement within the fridge, as ethylene gasses produced can cause accelerated wilting.
4. Can I revive dried flowers?
Yes. Trim the stems and place in warm water. You can also add sugar or aspirin. This can help flowers regain their moisture and freshness.
5. Which flowers keep the longest?
Certain flowers like alstroemeria, carnations, and chrysanthemums, with the proper attention, can be preserved for an entire week.